Custom Home Permits Guide

If you’re building on your land along the Gulf Coast, you’ll hear a lot about custom home permits long before the first concrete truck shows up. Permits are how local cities and parishes/counties make sure your new home is built safely and in line with zoning, flood, and wind requirements.

The good news: you don’t have to become a permitting expert. Cretin Townsend Homes builds across Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, and Alabama, and we’re used to navigating the paperwork so you don’t have to. This guide gives you a clear, high-level overview of how permits work, what they cover, and when they happen in the build process—without diving into legal fine print.

Understanding Custom Home Permits on the Gulf Coast

At a basic level, custom home permits are approvals from local authorities that say:

• Your home can be built on that specific property.
• The design and construction meet local building codes and zoning rules.
• Your home is planned to handle local conditions like wind, rain, and—in some areas—flood risk.
• Every parish/county and municipality has its own process and fees, and requirements vary by jurisdiction, but the goals are the same: safety, durability, and community standards.

The Typical Permit Path for a Custom Home

While details differ by location, the permit process usually follows this pattern:

• Zoning and setbacks review
• Plan review and building permit issuance
• Trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, sometimes gas)
• Inspections during construction
• Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy (CO)

Your builder coordinates these steps, but it helps to know what’s happening behind the scenes.

Pre-Permit Homeowner Checklist

Here’s what you can do to make the permitting stage smoother and faster:

• Confirm who holds title to the land (individual, trust, LLC).
• Gather any existing surveys, elevation certificates, or deed restrictions.
• Verify whether the property is in a flood zone (your lender may require this).
• Discuss setback rules and easements with your builder or surveyor.
• Finalize a floor plan and elevation suitable for your lot size and shape.
• Decide on garage orientation and driveway location for access.
• Share any HOA/ARC requirements (colors, materials, minimum square footage).
• Be prepared to sign permit applications or owner authorizations as needed.

Cretin Townsend Homes uses this information to complete accurate permit applications for your area.

Zoning, Setback Rules, and Your Lot

Before a building permit is issued, the local jurisdiction will confirm that your plan fits the zoning district and respects setback rules (how far the home must be from the front, sides, and rear property lines).

Common zoning-related checks include:

• Allowed use: Is a single-family home allowed on your lot?
• Setbacks: Front, side, and rear yard distances from property lines.
• Height limits: Maximum building height for your zone.
• Lot coverage: How much of the lot can be covered by structures.

Because zoning and setback rules vary by jurisdiction, your builder will typically work with a surveyor to position the home on the lot and ensure the site plan satisfies local requirements.

Building Permits, Trade Permits, and Inspections

Once zoning and setbacks are approved, the home’s construction plans go through a building department review. This is where building permits and trade permits come into play.

What a Building Permit Usually Covers

• Structural design and framing
• Foundation type and details
• Roof system and wind load design
• Overall life-safety and code compliance

Typical Trade Permits

• Electrical – wiring, panels, circuits, grounding
• Plumbing – supply lines, drains, vents, fixtures
• Mechanical/HVAC – ductwork, equipment, ventilation
• Gas (where applicable) – gas piping and appliances

Each of these permits triggers inspections at key stages of construction to verify that the work meets code.

Mini Table: Permit and Inspection Milestones

(Note: Exact timing and required inspections vary by jurisdiction.)

Gulf Coast Factors That Can Affect Custom Home Permits

Building along the Gulf Coast often adds extra layers to the permitting conversation. Depending on your location, your home may need:

• Floodplain review or elevation documentation (for flood-prone areas).
• Wind load and hurricane resistance details for roof systems, windows, and doors.
• Drainage or stormwater plans to handle heavy rain.
• Coastal construction considerations near beaches or waterways.

Again, specific rules vary by jurisdiction, but the overall goal is to build a home that can stand up to local weather and site conditions.

How Cretin Townsend Homes Handles the Permit Process

With hundreds of homes built each year across Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, and Alabama, Cretin Townsend Homes is used to working with different building departments and inspectors. Here’s what we typically handle for you:

• Preparing and submitting permit applications and drawings.
• Coordinating with surveyors and engineers when required.
• Scheduling inspections and addressing any correction notes.
• Communicating timelines and next steps as permits move through review.

Your role as the homeowner is to:

• Provide accurate ownership and property information.
• Share any HOA or neighborhood requirements.
• Respond quickly when signatures or approvals are needed.
• Stay flexible with timelines, since permit review speeds can differ by office.

Key Takeaways

• Custom home permits are required approvals that confirm your new home meets local codes, zoning rules, and safety standards.
• The process usually moves through zoning, site planning, building permits, trade permits, and multiple inspections.
• On the Gulf Coast, extra attention is given to flood risk, wind loads, and drainage, but exact rules vary by jurisdiction.
• A builder like Cretin Townsend Homes handles the heavy lifting, while you provide property information and approvals.
• Understanding the big picture helps you stay patient and confident while permits are in review.

FAQ: Custom Home Permits on the Gulf Coast

Do I really need custom home permits if I’m building on my own land?

Yes. Most areas along the Gulf Coast require building permits and inspections, even when you own the land. It’s about safety and code compliance, not just ownership.

How long do custom home permits usually take?

Timelines vary widely by jurisdiction and workload. Some permits are issued in a couple of weeks; others can take longer during busy seasons or when extra reviews (like flood or coastal) are required.

Who pulls the permits—me or the builder?

In most custom builds, the builder pulls the permits as the licensed contractor. You may need to sign forms authorizing them to act on your behalf.

What happens if an inspection doesn’t pass the first time?

The inspector usually issues a correction notice explaining what needs to be fixed. The builder completes the corrections and schedules a reinspection. This is a normal part of the process.

Are permit requirements the same in every Gulf Coast city?

No. Codes, local amendments, fees, and processes vary by jurisdiction. That’s why working with a builder familiar with your area is so valuable.

Do permits cover flood insurance or elevation certificates?

Permits may require flood-related documentation in certain zones, but insurance decisions are handled separately by your lender and insurance provider. Your builder and surveyor can help provide the needed information.

Can I start building before permits are issued?

Generally, no. Most jurisdictions do not allow construction to begin until required building permits are issued. Some may allow limited site preparation, but rules vary, so your builder will advise you.

How do I know when my home is “officially approved”?

After final inspections are complete and passed, the jurisdiction typically issues a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) or similar document confirming the home is approved for occupancy.